Comic Books for Young Adults http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/units/lml/comics/pages
Michael Lavin has put together a site which is very helpful for librarians who want help
in justifying a comic or graphic novel collection, and help in putting together a collection.
He includes guidelines for selection. Although he hasn’t updated the site in a long time,
the information there is still useful. http://www.rationalmagic.com/Comics/Comics.html
Diamond Comics Bookshelf http://bookshelf.diamondcomics.com
Here you will find a detailed, annotated catalog of graphic novels aimed at librarians and
educators, a glossary of terms, reviews by Kat Kan, cataloging information, and lesson
plans for using graphic novels in classrooms. Diamond revamped the website in 2006,
and it now includes a monthly news magazine for public and school librarians.
No Flying, No Tights - Graphic Novel Reviews for Teens
www.noflyingnotights.com
Robin Brenner began writing about graphic novels on a website she created for a library
school class. Now teens and librarians can go to her colorful and fun site to get her
reviews and opinions. Robin features a section for younger readers, which is a great
source of titles suitable for elementary and younger middle school students.
Recommended Graphic Novels for Public Libraries http://my.voyager.net/~sraiteri/graphicnovels.htm
Ohio librarian Steve Raiteri has an extensive list of titles on his site, which he hasn’t
updated since he started writing his column for Library Journal. His list runs the gamut
from superheroes to independently published works and serves as a great retrospective
list.
Brodart Graphic Novels http://www.graphicnovels.brodart.com
Brodart has also created a useful website that includes articles about graphic novels for
librarians, a graphic novel advice column (Ask Seeressa), lists of recommended titles,
and more. You don’t have to purchase from Brodart to use the website.
News and Reviews Sites http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com
Here you’ll find opinion columns, gossip columns, and reviews of comics issues and
trade paperbacks. http://www.comicbookresources.com
This site also has regular columns, movie news, interviews, and comics news. http://www.icv2.com
This website is aimed at retailers of comics, games, and toy specialty shops, but the
industry news is often of interest to librarians as well. http://www.comicon.com/pulse
This website includes news and interviews, plus Heidi MacDonald’s blog, The Beat.
She’s a veteran of the comics industry, has worked as an editor for DC Comics, and
currently helps to run Publishers Weekly’s online e-newsletter, Comics Week. Her links
to other sites and blogs can keep one reading for hours.
Most comics publishers also have websites, you can usually use their company names
to search the Internet to find their sites.
LISTSERV
Graphic Novels for Libraries
www.topica.com/lists/GNLIB-L
Librarian Steve Miller started this listserv in 1999. It’s open to librarians and other
professionals connected with graphic novels and libraries. Many of the well-known
professionals who write for the library world - Stephen Weiner, Francesca Goldsmith,
Steve Raiteri, D. Aviva Rothschild, Mike Pawuk, and others - are members. Many
members are librarians who are just beginning to acquire graphic novels for their
collections. If you go to the site, you can read previous posts, and you can also sign up
and join in the discussion. Members consider all questions posted and give advice and
opinions; it’s lots of fun.
MAGAZINES
Booklist
Francesca Goldsmith occasionally writes an article or reviews graphic novels suitable
for teens; other reviewers occasionally write reviews of graphic novels suitable for
adults. In 2003, the journal started doing a “Spotlight on Graphic Novels,” it appears
annually, in February or March. Since April 2006 the Books for Younger Readers
section includes occasional reviews of graphic novels for elementary school and
younger readers.
KLIATT
The magazine includes graphic novel reviews for middle and high school age readers.
Library Journal
Steve Raiteri began a bimonthly review column in the September 1, 2002 issue.
Library Media Connection
This journal for school library media specialists publishes occasional articles about
graphic novels and includes reviews of graphic novels for elementary through high
school students.
Previews
A monthly compilation of upcoming releases from many publishers, ranging from the big
companies like DC and Marvel to small publishers such as Alternative Comics. It’s
available at most comics shops for $4.50 per issue, or go online at
www.diamondcomics.com
School Library Journal
Steve Weiner began his “Graphic Novel Roundup” in the February 2003 issue, it
appears every other month.
VOYA - Voice of Youth Advocates
The “Graphically Speaking” column written by Kat Kan began publication in late 1994
and appeared in the February, June, and October issues. Beginning with the October
2002 issue, the column now appears in every bimonthly issue. Occasional reviews of
individual titles also appear in the reviews section, written by Kan and other librarians.
BOOKS
Crawford, Philip Charles. Graphic Novels 101: Selecting and Using Graphic
Novels to Promote Literacy for Children and Young Adults: A Resource Guide for
School Librarians and Educators. Hi Willow Research and Publishing, 2003. $30. 0-
931510-91-0.
Crawford addresses why school libraries should include the format, discusses titles to
get (and titles to avoid), how to purchase and handle graphic novels. He includes
selection criteria, sources for purchase, and other advice for elementary through high
school.
Goldsmith, Francisca. Graphic Novels Now: Building, Managing, and Marketing a
Dynamic Collection. ALA Editions, 2005. 113pp $35.00. 0-8389-0904-3.
While focusing only on actual monograph graphic novels, Goldsmith discusses practical
matters such as cataloging and shelving them and dealing with intellectual freedom
challenges.
Gorman, Michele. Getting Graphic!: Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy
with Preteens and Teens. Linworth Publishing, Inc., 2003. 184p. $36.95. 1-58683-
089-9.
This book is useful for schools, with ideas for using graphic novels in the curriculum; it
also includes information on collection development, promotion and programming, and
lists of recommended titles for intermediate and high school collections.
Lyga, Allyson A. W. and Barry Lyga. Graphic Novels in Your Media Center: A
Definitive Guide. Libraries Unlimited, 2004. 180pp. $35.00. 1-59158-142-7.
This guide discusses how graphic novels can be important learning tools in the
classroom and includes some lesson plans; it also includes lists of suggested titles for
collection development, publisher information, and interviews with librarians who use
graphic novels.
Miller, Steve. Developing and Promoting Graphic Novel Collections. Neal-
Schuman Publishers, 2005. 130pp. $49.95. 1-55570-461-1.
Miller provides information on collection development and lots of program ideas to
promote the use of graphic novels in the libraries. He also provides nitty-gritty details
on how to maintain the library’s graphic novel collection.
Rothschild, D. Aviva. Graphic Novels: A Bibliographic Guide to Book-Length
Comics. Libraries Unlimited, 1995. 245 p. $30. 1-56308-086-9.
The book includes detailed reviews of many titles. Some of them are now out of print,
but Rothschild’s strong opinions are fun to read.
Weiner, Stephen. 101 Best Graphic Novels. NBM, 2005. 60 p. $15.95. 1-56163-
443-3.
This book includes an annotated list of titles that were available in print at the time of
publication, and the annotations include codes for age appropriateness. A helpful
Further Reading section lists books on the history of comics, manga, and on the men
and women who created the comics.
Weiner, Stephen. The Rise of the Graphic Novel: Faster Than a Speeding Bullet.
NBM Publishing, 2003. 64p. $14.95. 1-56163-367-4.
Weiner provides a brief history of the format, from the early commercial comic strips to
the place of the graphic novel in bookstores and libraries.
OTHER SOURCES
The Public Librarian’s Guide to Graphic Novels
This is a booklet provided free of charge by Book Wholesalers, Inc. It does promote
their graphic novel services, but does provide useful information on justification,
evaluation, and some selection lists. BWI gives this away at library conferences where
they exhibit, and you can also call their toll-free number, 1-800-888-4478, or go to their
website at www.bwibooks.com to order your copy.
The Secret Origins of Good Readers: A Resource Book
This is a source edited by Robyn A. Hill, who uses it at presentations she does at
conferences and conventions, such as the Comic-Con International in San Diego. Go
to www.night-flight.com/secretorigin/ to download a free pdf file (about 56 pages). It
includes resources, lists of recommended titles, comic book activity ideas and sample
lesson plans.
GRAPHIC NOVEL RESOURCES
WEBSITES
Comic Books for Young Adultshttp://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/units/lml/comics/pages
Michael Lavin has put together a site which is very helpful for librarians who want help
in justifying a comic or graphic novel collection, and help in putting together a collection.
He includes guidelines for selection. Although he hasn’t updated the site in a long time,
the information there is still useful.
http://www.rationalmagic.com/Comics/Comics.html
Diamond Comics Bookshelf
http://bookshelf.diamondcomics.com
Here you will find a detailed, annotated catalog of graphic novels aimed at librarians and
educators, a glossary of terms, reviews by Kat Kan, cataloging information, and lesson
plans for using graphic novels in classrooms. Diamond revamped the website in 2006,
and it now includes a monthly news magazine for public and school librarians.
No Flying, No Tights - Graphic Novel Reviews for Teens
www.noflyingnotights.com
Robin Brenner began writing about graphic novels on a website she created for a library
school class. Now teens and librarians can go to her colorful and fun site to get her
reviews and opinions. Robin features a section for younger readers, which is a great
source of titles suitable for elementary and younger middle school students.
Recommended Graphic Novels for Public Libraries
http://my.voyager.net/~sraiteri/graphicnovels.htm
Ohio librarian Steve Raiteri has an extensive list of titles on his site, which he hasn’t
updated since he started writing his column for Library Journal. His list runs the gamut
from superheroes to independently published works and serves as a great retrospective
list.
Brodart Graphic Novels
http://www.graphicnovels.brodart.com
Brodart has also created a useful website that includes articles about graphic novels for
librarians, a graphic novel advice column (Ask Seeressa), lists of recommended titles,
and more. You don’t have to purchase from Brodart to use the website.
News and Reviews Sites
http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com
Here you’ll find opinion columns, gossip columns, and reviews of comics issues and
trade paperbacks.
http://www.comicbookresources.com
This site also has regular columns, movie news, interviews, and comics news.
http://www.icv2.com
This website is aimed at retailers of comics, games, and toy specialty shops, but the
industry news is often of interest to librarians as well.
http://www.comicon.com/pulse
This website includes news and interviews, plus Heidi MacDonald’s blog, The Beat.
She’s a veteran of the comics industry, has worked as an editor for DC Comics, and
currently helps to run Publishers Weekly’s online e-newsletter, Comics Week. Her links
to other sites and blogs can keep one reading for hours.
Most comics publishers also have websites, you can usually use their company names
to search the Internet to find their sites.
LISTSERV
Graphic Novels for Librarieswww.topica.com/lists/GNLIB-L
Librarian Steve Miller started this listserv in 1999. It’s open to librarians and other
professionals connected with graphic novels and libraries. Many of the well-known
professionals who write for the library world - Stephen Weiner, Francesca Goldsmith,
Steve Raiteri, D. Aviva Rothschild, Mike Pawuk, and others - are members. Many
members are librarians who are just beginning to acquire graphic novels for their
collections. If you go to the site, you can read previous posts, and you can also sign up
and join in the discussion. Members consider all questions posted and give advice and
opinions; it’s lots of fun.
MAGAZINES
Booklist
Francesca Goldsmith occasionally writes an article or reviews graphic novels suitable
for teens; other reviewers occasionally write reviews of graphic novels suitable for
adults. In 2003, the journal started doing a “Spotlight on Graphic Novels,” it appears
annually, in February or March. Since April 2006 the Books for Younger Readers
section includes occasional reviews of graphic novels for elementary school and
younger readers.
KLIATT
The magazine includes graphic novel reviews for middle and high school age readers.
Library Journal
Steve Raiteri began a bimonthly review column in the September 1, 2002 issue.
Library Media Connection
This journal for school library media specialists publishes occasional articles about
graphic novels and includes reviews of graphic novels for elementary through high
school students.
Previews
A monthly compilation of upcoming releases from many publishers, ranging from the big
companies like DC and Marvel to small publishers such as Alternative Comics. It’s
available at most comics shops for $4.50 per issue, or go online at
www.diamondcomics.com
School Library Journal
Steve Weiner began his “Graphic Novel Roundup” in the February 2003 issue, it
appears every other month.
VOYA - Voice of Youth Advocates
The “Graphically Speaking” column written by Kat Kan began publication in late 1994
and appeared in the February, June, and October issues. Beginning with the October
2002 issue, the column now appears in every bimonthly issue. Occasional reviews of
individual titles also appear in the reviews section, written by Kan and other librarians.
BOOKS
Crawford, Philip Charles. Graphic Novels 101: Selecting and Using Graphic
Novels to Promote Literacy for Children and Young Adults: A Resource Guide for
School Librarians and Educators. Hi Willow Research and Publishing, 2003. $30. 0-
931510-91-0.
Crawford addresses why school libraries should include the format, discusses titles to
get (and titles to avoid), how to purchase and handle graphic novels. He includes
selection criteria, sources for purchase, and other advice for elementary through high
school.
Goldsmith, Francisca. Graphic Novels Now: Building, Managing, and Marketing a
Dynamic Collection. ALA Editions, 2005. 113pp $35.00. 0-8389-0904-3.
While focusing only on actual monograph graphic novels, Goldsmith discusses practical
matters such as cataloging and shelving them and dealing with intellectual freedom
challenges.
Gorman, Michele. Getting Graphic!: Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy
with Preteens and Teens. Linworth Publishing, Inc., 2003. 184p. $36.95. 1-58683-
089-9.
This book is useful for schools, with ideas for using graphic novels in the curriculum; it
also includes information on collection development, promotion and programming, and
lists of recommended titles for intermediate and high school collections.
Lyga, Allyson A. W. and Barry Lyga. Graphic Novels in Your Media Center: A
Definitive Guide. Libraries Unlimited, 2004. 180pp. $35.00. 1-59158-142-7.
This guide discusses how graphic novels can be important learning tools in the
classroom and includes some lesson plans; it also includes lists of suggested titles for
collection development, publisher information, and interviews with librarians who use
graphic novels.
Miller, Steve. Developing and Promoting Graphic Novel Collections. Neal-
Schuman Publishers, 2005. 130pp. $49.95. 1-55570-461-1.
Miller provides information on collection development and lots of program ideas to
promote the use of graphic novels in the libraries. He also provides nitty-gritty details
on how to maintain the library’s graphic novel collection.
Rothschild, D. Aviva. Graphic Novels: A Bibliographic Guide to Book-Length
Comics. Libraries Unlimited, 1995. 245 p. $30. 1-56308-086-9.
The book includes detailed reviews of many titles. Some of them are now out of print,
but Rothschild’s strong opinions are fun to read.
Weiner, Stephen. 101 Best Graphic Novels. NBM, 2005. 60 p. $15.95. 1-56163-
443-3.
This book includes an annotated list of titles that were available in print at the time of
publication, and the annotations include codes for age appropriateness. A helpful
Further Reading section lists books on the history of comics, manga, and on the men
and women who created the comics.
Weiner, Stephen. The Rise of the Graphic Novel: Faster Than a Speeding Bullet.
NBM Publishing, 2003. 64p. $14.95. 1-56163-367-4.
Weiner provides a brief history of the format, from the early commercial comic strips to
the place of the graphic novel in bookstores and libraries.
OTHER SOURCES
The Public Librarian’s Guide to Graphic Novels
This is a booklet provided free of charge by Book Wholesalers, Inc. It does promote
their graphic novel services, but does provide useful information on justification,
evaluation, and some selection lists. BWI gives this away at library conferences where
they exhibit, and you can also call their toll-free number, 1-800-888-4478, or go to their
website at www.bwibooks.com to order your copy.
The Secret Origins of Good Readers: A Resource Book
This is a source edited by Robyn A. Hill, who uses it at presentations she does at
conferences and conventions, such as the Comic-Con International in San Diego. Go
to www.night-flight.com/secretorigin/ to download a free pdf file (about 56 pages). It
includes resources, lists of recommended titles, comic book activity ideas and sample
lesson plans.